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I think someone's going to think of insanely lightweight gear. Probably tarps, and suspension. I think either someone will invent a incredibly lightweight carabiner, or easier suspension with just rope and straps.

I don't know that we can go much lighter weight with the fabrics until we go lighter weight with ourselves...

What I see coming is a dramatic increase in the number of backpacking/canoeing type people who embrace hammocking.

The more of us who hang, the more people who become interested in it. The more people who hang, the more parks are likely to feel the need to accomodate us. It could become a wonderfully delightful circle.

Seriously. I still want Dutch to throw out a number on these. I'm sure I can't afford it, but I at least want to have an idea of when I might be able to.

As for other innovations, I can't see it getting much lighter; I think the fabric is at its limit and with guys using Dynaglide for suspension I can't see that getting any lighter (without the use of dark matter anyway. ) My hope would be that the biggest innovation will simply come from sheer numbers. If we get to a point where 50% or more of backpackers are hanging then the big manufacturers will take notice and start doing what they do; making it bigger, 'better' and more accessible. Most of what is 'innovated' will be of little interest here, but more eyes on the topic will certainly lend itself to some cool new ideas.

I've seen some multi-room hammocks that are basically hanging tents before and I'd love to see that idea take off.